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Mets agree to deal with pitcher Sosa

Mets agree to deal with pitcher Sosa

By Marty Noble
/
MLB.com |

NEW YORK -- With so much of their attention focused on Johan Santana, the Mets still were able to negotiate a contract with another player on Saturday.

They settled their salary arbitration case with Jorge Sosa, the 30-year-old relief pitcher, agreeing to pay him $2 million for the 2008 season -- $300,000 more than they had proposed, but $750,000 less than Sosa had sought.

Eligible for free agency after this season if he spends 37 days in the big leagues, Sosa had sought a raise of $1.5 million after producing a 9-8 record and 4.47 ERA in 42 appearances -- 14 as a starter -- and 112 2/3 innings.

He won six of his first seven starts after being summoned from the Minor Leagues in early May. But he lost five of his subsequent six and was reassigned to the bullpen.

Sosa won two of four decisions and produced a 4.18 ERA in 32 1/3 innings in relief.

The Mets, who have not gone to an arbitration hearing since 1992, have two cases pending with Ryan Church (offered $1.75 million and seeking $2.45 million) and Oliver Perez (offered $4,725,000 and seeking $6.5 million).

Marty Noble is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.